Maryland State Trooper In Serious Condition After Crash On I-70

WEST FRIENDSHIP, Md. (WUSA) -- A Maryland State Trooper is in serious condition after he hit a tree on I-70 eastbound at route 32 on Wednesday evening, authorities said.

According to Howard County Fire officials, Corporal Matthew Telep, who is a five-year-veteran, lost control of his cruiser and crashed into a tree near exit 80. Personnel from the Howard County Fire Department had to extricate him.

Cpl. Telep was immediately transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Preliminary investigations show that for reasons the vehicle traveled off the right side of the interstate, causing the driver's side of the car to hit a tree, Maryland State Police said.

"A motorist who called the barrack later this evening said they witnessed the crash and believed the trooper was cut off by another vehicle," Maryland State Police said in a statement.